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Porous polyethylene in reconstructive head and neck surgery
Archives of Otolaryngology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|March 1, 1985
Summary
Porous polyethylene, a versatile synthetic material, shows promise for reconstructing bony and cartilaginous structures like the outer ear and vocal folds. However, its use in the nasal septum is not recommended.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Otolaryngology
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Porous polyethylene is a thermoplastic synthetic with pore sizes between 100-200 microns.
- It is utilized for alloplastic replacement of auditory ossicles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of porous polyethylene for reconstructing various anatomical structures.
- To assess its efficacy in craniofacial and laryngeal applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental and clinical data from recent years.
- Assessment of material properties including formability, tissue tolerance, and stability.
Main Results:
- Porous polyethylene demonstrated suitability for outer ear reconstruction, facial skull defect repair, and vocal fold rehabilitation.
- Its application in the nasal septum for ozena or septal replacement is not advised.
- Experimental investigation into alloplastic tracheal replacement is ongoing.
Conclusions:
- Porous polyethylene is a valuable material for specific craniofacial and laryngeal reconstructions.
- Further research is needed to determine its potential in tracheal replacement.